Following its active participation in the recently concluded Global Disability Summit (GDS), the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) has announced plans to launch a nationwide campaign aimed at localizing GDS commitments at the grassroots level.
At a post-summit briefing, AWWDI’s National Coordinator, Bilikisu Yakubu, revealed that the organization will convene stakeholder roundtables involving government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector. The campaign will also intensify advocacy for inclusive sexual and reproductive health services.
Yakubu urged the Nigerian government to implement inclusive policies and increase funding for programs that impact women with disabilities. She also called on development partners to prioritize financial support for gender and disability-focused organizations. Additionally, she challenged the media and civil society to amplify the voices of women with disabilities and to combat stigma and discrimination.
The GDS brought together global stakeholders committed to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Nigeria’s participation, particularly from grassroots advocacy groups, added significant value to discussions around inclusive development. The summit offered a vital platform for cross-country learning, networking, and mobilizing international support.
During its presentation at the Summit, AWWDI emphasized the unique challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria. The organization advocated for increased investment in inclusive education, accessible healthcare, economic empowerment, and protection from gender-based violence. It also called for the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, especially its gender-specific provisions.
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